Parents proud of rope skippers

The Tumtumana family in Site B claims to be uniquely positioned since the offspring is devoted to sport, thus keeping a distance between them and mischief.

Siblings Melikhaya (22), Malusi (18), and Simakele (14) are famous for their rope skipping prowess.

As a result, both Melikhaya and Simakele have provincial colours, while Malusi has national colours.

However, during City Vision’s visit to the family, Melikhaya was at training.

Last month, Malusi participated in International Gymnastic Games held in Florida, USA.

“It was a dream come true for me. I was so excited to be part of the team participating in the tournament. I made my mark and put our flag high. Out of 23 participants, I came 10th in the three minutes speed sector with 866 skips,” he said.

He came out guns blazing held position 11 in the 30 second double under mixed pairs skipping division which was done in partners and position 20 in the 30 second speed category with 152 skips.

The Grade 12 learner from Usasazo High said he started skipping in 2005.

“I joined Jump It Rope Skipping Academy with friends, and held practice at Andile Msizi Community Hall.

“Since then, I’ve never looked back. I participated in various competitions, but my first competition was in March 2009, taking part in the Western Cape trials and I won gold in Level Five. In the same year, in October, I participated in South African Gymnastics Games in Gauteng.

“I won gold in the free style and silver in the speed competition. Last year in October I qualified for the US games,” he recalled.

Younger brother Simakele said he joined the academy in 2010 following in his bothers’ steps.

He said he also played in the SA Gymnastics Games which were held in Gauteng last year October and won gold in free style and silver in speed competition.

“I didn’t go to USA because I was told that I was still young,” said Simakele.